SAINTS teenager Kgaogelo Chauke has signed his first professional contract

The 17 year-old former Thatcham Town midfielder has signed a deal until June 2022 and has impressed for the Under-18 and Under-23 teams this season.

He told southamptonfc.com said: “I’m really proud because I’ve been working for this moment. Pleased to see the work paying off.

“It’s special because growing up I’ve had a lot of help from my family. Being able to share this with them is a proud moment. In the back of my mind I knew that if I put the right work in that this moment was achievable.

“My main attribute is hard work, because without that then this process wouldn’t be possible.

“Being at this club, everything is put towards development on the pitch. Even in education, everything has come together on the pitch to help me perform.”

Academy Director Matt Hale said: “Kegs has shown tremendous progress since joining us part way through his Under-15 season.

“He has learnt so much and showed a real curiosity to develop.

"He has strong listening skills, an acceptance to take on information and applies his learning really well in games.

“The coaches enjoy working with him and I’m looking forward to watching him develop further over the new few years.”